Can I change passenger details on flight ticket?

That Name Doesn’t Match the Ticket: Understanding Passenger Name Changes on Flights

So, you’ve booked a flight, but there’s a problem: the name on the ticket is wrong. Maybe a typo slipped through, or perhaps unforeseen circumstances require a passenger substitution. The unfortunate truth is that changing passenger names on most flight tickets is significantly more complicated than a simple edit. Unlike changing a name on a hotel reservation, airline tickets operate under strict, non-transferable policies.

This means that directly altering the passenger name on an existing booking is almost universally impossible. Airlines employ stringent security measures to verify passenger identities, and allowing name changes would compromise these measures and create potential security risks. Think of it like a passport – you can’t just change the name on a passport; a new one must be issued. Similarly, a new flight ticket is needed.

What this means for you: If the name on your flight ticket is incorrect, you cannot simply contact the airline and ask them to fix it. Instead, you must cancel your existing booking. This will typically result in the loss of any associated fees, such as change fees (which are often substantial), or even the complete cost of the ticket depending on the airline’s cancellation policy and the fare type you purchased.

The Process of Correction: After cancelling your original booking, you’ll need to purchase a completely new ticket under the correct passenger name. This involves going through the entire booking process again, searching for flights, selecting seats, and completing the payment. Be aware that the price of the new ticket may differ from the original, depending on availability and current market prices. This is particularly true if the change is made close to the departure date.

Before You Cancel: Before taking the drastic step of cancelling, it’s crucial to:

• Check your airline’s specific policy: While the general rule is no name changes, some airlines may offer limited exceptions under very specific circumstances, such as documented name changes due to marriage or legal name corrections. Contacting customer service directly is essential to explore these possibilities.
• Review your travel insurance: If you purchased travel insurance, check whether it covers the cost of a cancelled flight ticket due to a name correction. This might alleviate some of the financial burden.
• Consider the cost: Weigh the cost of a new ticket against the potential inconvenience and fees associated with canceling your existing booking.

In short, while seemingly a simple correction, changing a passenger name on a flight ticket is not a straightforward process. Due to stringent security protocols, cancellation and rebooking are usually the only options. Always double-check your passenger details during the booking process to avoid this frustrating situation entirely. Careful attention to detail at the outset will save you time, stress, and potentially significant financial loss.